Victoria Hasler put in a performance and scooped maximum points and first choice of the table full of prizes.
Anna was a gentle heads-up breaststroke pool swimmer when she joined us full of optimism in 2004 to train for a Channel relay. Anna was so overwhelmed with the experience that she went on to complete a solo crossing the following year.
The Emmi Hunte series is raced between February and October over varying distances - February 50m (55 yards), March 100m (110 yards), August 800m (880 yards) with the final 91m (100 yard) race held in late October. Originally the Daily Telegraph series, this was re-dedicated to honour popular venteran Emmi Hunte in 2019.
Anna arrived prepared for the drizzle
Sam and Anna Baker have presented prizes for this event since 2013.
Anna Hillyer joined us in January 2004 along with Jessica Avery and Janie Saunders to prepare for their "Water Babes" Channel relay, to raise money for Great Ormond Street Hospital.
"Before signing up for the Channel we had been leisurely breast stroking and chatting in an indoor pool and signed up without really realising what we were getting into. We had some swimming lessons, as Jess and Janie weren't really front crawlers. Our teacher was more keen on teaching us to skull on our backs in case we got tired I seem to remember. We visited the (Hampstead) Ladies' Pond for a January dip and they recommended the Serps. Everything improved from that moment. It really was life-changing."
Bubbly on the boat back to Blighty, with "coach" Nick Adams. Nick was elected as a club vice-President at Saturday's AGM.
They completed the crossing in 17 hours and 12 minutes.
The relay success inspired Anna to train for a Channel solo the following year, 2005
Channel solo, 13 July 2005 (elegantly colour coordinated to the very finish). 17 hours and 32 minutes. (Duff Kelly said at the time - "I couldn't sleep for that long, let alone swim").
Competitors dodged the raindrops to line-up for starter's orders
Two races as there were too many of us for one
Race off, and Mary Olivari leads the way
Victoria Hesler first past the post in the first race
(photo: Norman Jones)
"Hot" on Victoria's heels. 9.8c was slightly more comfortable than last week's 5c. (photo: Norman Jones)
Two past club presidents make a prompt exit (To nip off quickly to the AGM? Or maybe it was just nippy?)
(photo: Norman Jones)
Second race gets underway
White water complemented the drizzle
Backmarkers start to make their way down the lake
Will, Alan and Jesse finally get going.
A strung out field, but Alan Luckhurst still managed to get to the fromt
Alan passed the buoys
Another past President makes a quick exit
Anna and husband Sam have sponsored the 100m leg of the series since 2013
Son Theo joined them today. Max was busy playing hockey.
Rob introduced Anna and Sam to the crowd. Rob spoke of Anna's long distance exploits as well has her love of the club. He animatedly described how the Bakers' 2013 prizes were lovely, home made giant cookies and how his daughter Lily was thrilled to be amongst the recipients
Lily and the giant cookie, 2013
A well wrapped Victoria Hasler first up for the prizes
Alan Mitchell second
Laure Latham third
Alan Luckhurst won the second race
Stuart was also up there
Charlotte also in the frame
Traditional three cheers
Only one biscuit left
For more information on Anna's Channel and long distance pedigree please follow this link to the "race we missed" report from March 2021 -
The Emmi Hunte series - two more races to go. 800m (880 yards) in August and 100 yards (91m) in October
Emmi with daughter Elvira, summer 2009
(report compiled by Brian Thomas)